Median Age
41 Years
Largest Age Group
35-44 Years
Approximately 14% of Residents
Under 20
24%
Over 65
20%
Opelika, AL Area Guide
Avg Rent
$1,297
Population
34,566
Renter Mix
38% Rent
Abundant local businesses amidst wooded streets and Auburn University
Wooded
•
Family-Friendly
•
Suburban
Opelika, Alabama carries the kind of easy confidence that comes from knowing exactly what it is: a mid-sized city with deep roots, a growing economy, and a close connection to one of the South's most storied universities. Auburn University sits just a few miles away, and its influence shapes everything from the local job market to the creative energy running through the city's historic downtown district. Opelika's economy draws strength from manufacturing, healthcare, and a steady stream of businesses that have chosen this corner of east Alabama to put down stakes.
Neighborhoods here range from tree-lined streets with classic craftsman bungalows to newer residential pockets where development is keeping pace with demand. The housing mix reflects that range, with single-family rentals, townhomes, and apartment communities offering choices across a broad spectrum of styles and sizes. Established areas near downtown feel grounded and walkable, while communities farther out tend toward spacious layouts and quieter surroundings.
Opelika earned the distinction of being named one of the "Top Small Cities to Live In" by national outlets, a recognition tied to its balance of affordability, opportunity, and quality of life. Whether you're drawn by career prospects, academic ties, or simply a city that moves at a comfortable pace without sacrificing ambition, Opelika offers a place to settle in and stay awhile.
Explore the City
Municipal Park boasts a large amount of green space for residents to enjoy.
O Grows Farmer's Market in Opelika also has beautiful flowers for sale.
Residents can head to The Coffee Shop downtown for freshly brewed coffee, pastries, and more.
Food Truck Friday in Opelika features live bands and music.
Residents cook up fresh food at Opelika's National Night Out.
Enjoy your time at the Opelika Sportsplex Fall Festival.
Demographics
Median Household Income
$51,135
Average: $65,832
Education
9,701
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
15,957
Workers Employed
Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.
Housing Distribution
Opelika has more homeowners than renters.
Renters
38%
Non-Renters
62%
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
Bachelor's or Higher
22%
Other Education
78%
Rent Trends
As of July 2026, the average apartment rent in Opelika, AL is $1,297 for one bedroom, $1,476 for two bedrooms, and $1,904 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Opelika has increased by 6.9% in the past year.
Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,297/month
574 Sq Ft
House
$2,016/month
1,271 Sq Ft
Townhome
$2,080/month
1,592 Sq Ft
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Opelika, AL is 4.3% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Opelika is 19.7% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $0 - $1,904. You can expect to pay 4.8% less for groceries, 6.0% more for utilities, and 10.9% less for transportation.
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Learn More About Opelika
Getting Around
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Opelika, AL is for everyday living.
Somewhat Walkable
Walkability
30
/ 100
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
100
/ 100
Somewhat Bikeable
Bikeability
20
/ 100
Scores provided by
Schools
Public
Grades K-5
431 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
783 Students
Public
Grades K-5
464 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
239 Students
Public
Grades K-8
392 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,132 Students
Public
Grades K-8
392 Students
Public
Grades K-8
533 Students
Public
Grades K-12
Public
Grades K-12
Public
Grades PK & 9-12
1,590 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
555 Students
Public
Grades K-12
Public
Grades K-12
School data provided by
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
© 2026. All rights reserved.
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
© 2026. All rights reserved.
Points of Interest
Shopping Centers
Parks and Recreation
- Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve
- Davis Arboretum
- Southeastern Raptor Center
- Chewacla State Park
Airports
- Columbus
Top Apartments in Opelika
Houses for Rent in Opelika
Living in Opelika
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Methodology
† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.